Workplace Registration with OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) aims to ensure that workplaces are free from occupational hazards that may cause injuries or illness to employees.A workplace is any premises or place where a person performs work in the course of his employment.

Any company or individual owning or occupying a factory or another workplace in Tanzania needs to obtain the Certificate of Compliance with the OSHA Chief Inspector. The registration of a work place should be done before commencement of any business operation as per section 16(2) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2003.

After registration of the workplace, OSHA will conduct an inspection. Depending on the nature of the business, these inspections could encompass general, plant, electrical safety, industrial hygiene inspections, medical examinations, buildings and construction safety, ergonomics.

A Certificate of Compliance/Compliance License is issued if the workplace is approved. It is mandatory as per Occupational Health and Safety Act No.5 of 2003. The license is renewed every year.

Submission of factory or workplace drawings is mandatory for anyone who intends to construct or refurbish a factory or an office. The law requires that the drawing to be submitted before construction or renovation is done. Drawings should to be submitted in white or blue prints. Drawings are usually in form of architectural, Industrial and Electrical.

Plant inspections involves machines installed in a factory which include Steam Boilers, Lifting appliances, Air receivers and Steam Receiver.

It is mandatory for a factory or a workplace using electricity to be inspected by OSHA. The inspection is done once a year.

OSHA is also mandated to conduct industrial Hygiene inspection to ensure employees work in safe and clean environment.

Any person who has been approved to construct a factory or a workplace needs to call upon the Chief Inspector for subsequent inspections of construction progress.Inspection certificate is issued after inspection.

The procedure for renewal of certificate of compliance is the same as that of the first application. The only difference is that the applicant do not need to undergo registration process. All other inspections need to be performed before renewal of the Certificate of Compliance.